Ferrets are Mustalids, related to otters, stoats, weasels, etc.  We have
wild ferrets in New Zealand, but, they are not native.  They were farmed
in the past for their skins, and then when the fur trade fell through,
they were released into the wild.
 
Meghan & the monsters: Felicity, Stryder, Menolly & Savage (remembering
the very special fuzzy angel Tiberius)
[Posted in FML issue 3390]